When working on modern vehicles, maintaining power to the electronic systems during battery replacement or other service procedures can seem like a convenient approach. OBD2 memory savers promise to do just that, preventing the loss of crucial settings and data. But Are Obd2 Memory Savers Safe for your car’s delicate electronics? We consulted with leading automotive technical experts to get a definitive answer.
The consensus among seasoned professionals in the automotive repair industry is clear: using OBD2 memory savers carries risks that outweigh the perceived benefits. These devices, designed to keep vehicle systems powered while the battery is disconnected, are generally not recommended for use, especially during complex repairs or welding operations.
Will Latuff, manager at Latuff Brothers collision repair, a fourth-generation business, firmly advises against their use. “We do not use memory savers,” Latuff states. “They are not effective or worth the risk. I-CAR also teaches not to use them.” This perspective is echoed by I-CAR, a reputable organization for collision repair training and information, further reinforcing the cautious approach.
Jeff Peevy, Director of Field Operations at I-CAR, elaborates on the potential dangers. “A memory saver can complete circuits that removing the battery opens in order to protect the system, and so a memory saver could put systems at risk,” Peevy explains. By maintaining circuit continuity, memory savers can inadvertently expose sensitive electronic components to electrical surges or other anomalies during repair work.
Welding, a common procedure in auto body repair, introduces significant electrical risks. George Hogan, Business Development Manager with Axalta Coating Systems, points out the vulnerability of vehicle electronics to high voltages and amperages during welding. “There is also likely increased risk of fault codes being stored if the circuitry is exposed to unexpected signals if the modules are ‘awake,’ powered up from either a connected battery or a memory saver installed,” Hogan cautions. The presence of a memory saver can keep modules active, increasing the chance of electrical interference and fault code generation.
Modern vehicle systems, as Hogan notes, often have electronics that remain active even when the ignition is off. “Think of keyless entry systems, as they are always looking for a signal from the electronic key,” he says. This constant activity means that these systems could be particularly susceptible to damage if welding occurs while a memory saver is connected, potentially creating an unintended electrical pathway.
Chuck Olsen, Director of Advanced Diagnostics and Technical Support for Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS), a company specializing in remote vehicle diagnostics, shares the same viewpoint. “A memory saver installed while making repairs provides an electrical path through the system and defeats the purpose of removing the battery,” Olsen explains. He concedes that memory savers might be acceptable for simple battery swaps, but strongly advises against their use during more extensive repairs where electrical safety is paramount.
Larry Montanez, a seasoned collision damage analyst with P&L Consultants, LLC, and Lange Technical Services, Ltd., and former I-CAR instructor, emphasizes the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI). “I do not recommend memory savers, nor does I-CAR,” Montanez reiterates. “Memory savers can allow airbags to deploy or allow some sensitive electronic components to become damaged. Electro-magnetic induction (EMI) can damage electronic modules. EMI can occasionally occur with MIG welding, but is very common with squeeze-type resistance spot welding, regardless of whether the battery is connected or not.” The potential for airbag deployment or component damage due to EMI is a serious safety concern associated with memory savers.
Montanez further highlights OEM recommendations regarding Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) modules during welding. Many manufacturers mandate unplugging SRS modules to prevent accidental shorts. “Memory savers are just a risk not worth taking,” he concludes, underscoring the overall sentiment against these devices in professional repair settings.
In conclusion, while OBD2 memory savers offer a seemingly convenient way to preserve vehicle memory settings, the expert consensus leans heavily against their use, particularly during welding or complex repairs. The potential risks to sensitive electronic components, the possibility of fault code introduction, and the danger of EMI, especially to safety systems like airbags, make memory savers a questionable tool for professional automotive technicians. It’s generally safer and more reliable to follow OEM procedures for battery disconnection and address any potential memory loss through proper diagnostic and reset procedures after the repair is completed. Prioritizing safety and following established best practices is always the most prudent approach in automotive repair.
